Representative Oliver P. Rowles View All Years

HON. OLIVER P. ROWLES.

MR. SPEAKER—Your committee appointed to prepare suitable resolutions of respect to the life, character and public services of the late Hon. Oliver P. Rowles, a member of the Ninth General Assembly, beg leave to report the following:

Oliver P. Rowles was born March 25th, 1821, in Bath, New York, and with his parents, David H. and Rebecca Rowles, moved to Covington, Ind., when he was one year old. There he grew to early manhood among the sturdy pioneers, assisting to hew a home in the primeval forest, and later in contract work in building the Wabash canal. His education was secured from the ordinary country school of that day. In 1844 the family again moved westward and located on what in more recent years was known as the Collins farm, two miles south of the present city of Albia, Monroe county, Iowa.

On December 7th, 1845, deceased was united in marriage to Louisa Lower, with whom he continued to live for over sixty-five years, until July 20th, 1911, when she was called from the earthly home. After their marriage they immediately moved to their farm four miles south of Albia, where they continuously resided for more than sixty years. In 1900, they moved to their home at 403 South Clinton street, and contined there until called to the home above.

Four children were born to this happy union: Mrs. Elizabeth Enix, W. A. and J. H. Rowles, and Mrs. Jennie Pierson, all of whom reside in or near Albia, Iowa, except J. H., who lives at Slater, Wyoming.

The subject of this sketch gave his heart to his Saviour in early manhood and became a member of the M. E. church, and when a class was formed at his father’s home in 1845 his name is among the charter members, and when the First M. E. church was built in Albia, Iowa, in 1850, he was a member of the first board of trustees and continued to be identified with this church or the one near his country home during the past 68 years.

During his life he was called to many offices of trust, having served as member of the county board for several terms and was chosen to represent Monroe county in the Ninth General Assembly of Iowa.

His every day home life was such that his children rise up and call him blessed, and at the extremely old age of 92 years, 4 months and 15 days, on August 10th, 1913, he peacefully closed his eyes to earthly scenes and passed to his reward on the other shore.

He was honored and loved and respected by his neighbors, far and near, and has held numerous offices of trust in his township, and county and community. Being an early pioneer of Iowa and from Kishkekosh county, now Monroe county, Iowa, he very materially aided in the upbuilding of a good community of hardy pioneers.

Resolved, That in his death the state and county has lost a worthy and honorable citizen, and we hereby extend to the relatives and friends our tribute of respect; and be it further

Resolved, That these resolutions of respect be printed in the Journal of the House and the chief clerk be directed to forward an engrossed copy to the family of the deceased.

C. B. EGGLESTON,

L. SHAEFFER,

C. H. CLARK,

Committee.

Adopted unanimously.